Like many homeowners, you likely place a lot of emphasis on ensuring that your front door is as secure as possible. Maybe you have more than one lock system installed to reinforce the door. Have you given your home's back door this much thought? This is a prime location for potential intruders to break in, as it's an often overlooked area of the typical home. In fact, a burglary occurs every 26 seconds in the US according to the FBI! Even if you believe your back door is secure, it might not be as safe as you think! A strong kick to a weak frame grants easy access to your home. Here are a few ways in which you can add reliable security to your home's back door to stave off intruders.

  1. Improve Lighting Near Back Door

If an intruder thinks no one is home, they're more likely to attempt a break-in. A security light installed above your back door insinuates that you're home, which will decrease the risk of a burglary. Even if you're away from home, keep the lights around your house on so it never appears like a prime opportunity.

  1. Add A Security Camera

Door cameras like Ring, Arlo, and Google Nest are becoming very popular with homeowners, as they're easy to install and show what's going on around their front or back doors in real time. Many cameras have companion apps, which notify you on your phone whenever there is movement detected. Consider adding one to your back door (and your front door if you don't already have one).

  1. Replace Door or Frame

Is your back door solid? If not, replace it with a solid core door if you're choosing wood. Why? These are more substantial and harder to kick in. Otherwise, stick to steel doors. If you own an older home and the door frame isn't top notch, it's better to get it repaired or completely replaced than to risk an intruder kicking it in.

  1. Upgrade the Back Door's Lock with A Deadbolt

Add to your back door's locks by installing a high grade deadbolt. These extend into the doorjamb, making the door much more difficult to break into. We offer a huge selection of deadbolts here at Direct Door Hardware.

  1. Keep the Backyard Tidy

A well-kept yard will keep intruders at bay. Surprising? Well, think of a yard with tall grass and overgrown shrubs. These give off the impression that the home might be vacant. When your yard looks manicured, there is no mistaking that someone lives in the house.

With these tips on securing your back door, you can get the peace of mind you need when you're away from the house or sleeping during the night.